Every morning, Bud gathers his welcoming committee to greet me as I come out of the shower.

It is loving, of course, but  I don’t kid myself; mostly, it’s about cheering me on, so I’ll give them their morning after-shower treat when I come out of the shower; Bud and his committee transfer immediately to the treat drawer, and Bud barks with enthusiasm.

It’s like the “hip-hip-hooray,” they shout for new British Kings.

All the animals on the farm have me marked as a sucker and manipulate me constantly. It’s those eyes, donkey or dogs; I can’t resist them. They have figured out just how to look at me.

He is always overjoyed to get a treat, and Zinnia and Fate, much more restrained, follow his lead enthusiastically. It’s not a bad way to start the day.